Window Issue Prompts Big Toyota Recall

TORRANCE, CA -- (WWJ) Toyota is recalling about 7 and a half million vehicles, worldwide—about a third of them in the U.S.—because smoke can come out of the side windows.

There have been about 200 reports of the issue, with now accidents reported. Toyota says the problem has been isolated to a power window switch.

"The driver's side (switch) may experience a "notchy" or sticky feel during operation," read a statement from Toyota. "If commercially available lubricants are applied to the switch in an attempt to address the "notchy" or sticky feel, melting of the switch assembly or smoke could occur and lead to a fire under some circumstances."

The recall involves some of Toyota's most popular vehicles from the 2005 to 2010 model year.

• 2007 to 2008 Yaris (approx. 110,300)
• 2007 to 2009 RAV4 (approx. 336,400)
• 2007 to 2009 Tundra (approx. 337,100)
• 2007 to 2009 Camry (approx. 938,100)
• 2007 to 2009 Camry Hybrid (approx. 116,800)
• 2008 to 2009 Scion xD (approx. 34,400)
• 2008 to 2009 Scion xA (approx. 77,500)
• 2008 to 2009 Sequoia (approx. 38,500)
• 2008 Highlander (approx. 135,400)
• 2008 Highlander Hybrid (approx. 23,200)
• 2009 Corolla (approx. 270,900)
• 2009 Matrix (approx. 53,800)

Toyota says dealers will inspect the switch, and apply a special fluorine grease to prevent the problem. The repair should take about an hour.

You can get more information from Toyota at www.toyota.com/recall or 1-800-331-4331.